Description
Busy Day Soup is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for those with limited time but craving a flavorful, home-cooked dish. Made with ground beef, vegetables, macaroni, and a savory onion soup mix, this soup simmers gently to develop rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 cups water
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large soup pot, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the soup.
- Add Liquids and Flavorings: Pour in the 6 cups of water, add the onion soup mix and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 1 hour. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld deeply enhancing the overall taste.
- Add Noodles and Vegetables: After the soup has simmered, stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles and the frozen mixed vegetables directly from the freezer. Continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the macaroni is tender and the vegetables are heated through.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with crackers or slices of bread for a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery if desired for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or cook uncovered to allow more liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To speed up cooking, consider using pre-cooked or quick-cooking pasta but add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
